Waterford Wedding Photographer
Waterford Wedding Photographer – Your Complete Guide to Weddings in the Déise
Planning your wedding in Waterford? You’re in the right place. I’m James O’Driscoll of JOD Photography, a wedding photographer based in Munster, covering Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Clare and, of course, Waterford. This page is your complete guide to getting married in Waterford – from the best venues to the small intimate elopements along the Copper Coast. My goal is simple: give you beautiful, storytelling images that capture the real spirit of your day.
Why Choose Waterford for Your Wedding
Waterford has it all – dramatic coastline, mountains, historic estates, and stylish modern hotels. It’s a county where you can host a 200-guest celebration at a grand hotel, or slip away for a private elopement on a clifftop. As a photographer, I love Waterford because it offers endless backdrops: the Comeragh Mountains, the beaches around Tramore, the gardens of Faithlegg House, or the city streets around Reginald’s Tower.
Top Wedding Venues in Waterford
- Faithlegg House Hotel – elegant, timeless, perfect for larger weddings.
- Waterford Castle – a private island setting with real wow factor.
- Mount Congreve Gardens – dreamy gardens for portraits, an oasis near the city.
- Granville Hotel – right in the heart of Waterford City, perfect for a stylish city wedding.
- The Haven Hotel Dunmore East – coastal charm with harbour views.
These are only a few. I keep a running list of favourite venues across Munster, so if you’re exploring options, be sure to check my other guides too.
Real Weddings & Elopements in Waterford
Every wedding I photograph in Waterford is different. Some couples go all out with a grand celebration in Faithlegg House, others choose a quiet ceremony overlooking the sea at Dunmore East. My approach is always the same: natural, candid storytelling that lets you enjoy your day while I quietly capture the moments that matter most.
Elopements are becoming especially popular in Waterford. The Copper Coast and Comeragh Mountains give you wild, cinematic backdrops, and if you want a stress-free wedding that’s about just the two of you, it’s hard to beat this county.
My Photography Style
I work in a documentary style with a creative edge. That means no stiff posing, no endless group shots. Instead, I focus on real moments – the laugh with your bridesmaids, the tear during the vows, the sparkler exit at midnight. I use light creatively, from natural golden-hour shots to off-camera flash for bold evening portraits. My goal is to give you a gallery that looks and feels like your story, not a photoshoot.
Why Couples Choose Me in Waterford
- Based in Munster, with local knowledge of Waterford venues & locations.
- Storytelling photography that balances candid and creative.
- Experience across Ireland – I know how to work in sun, rain, or Irish drizzle.
- Flexible packages, from small elopements to full-day celebrations.
About JOD Photography
I’m James O’Driscoll, the photographer behind JOD Photography. Based in Munster, I cover weddings all across Ireland and beyond. My style is simple – honest, natural storytelling with creative flair. I don’t stage your day. I capture it as it really happens, so you can look back and relive every laugh, tear, and crazy dance move.
What Couples Say
"James blended in like one of the gang & captured breathtaking photos throughout the day without ever getting in the way. I highly recommend him." – Pamela Milner
"From our first meeting James was a true professional and gentleman. His photos blew us away — every single one is frame-worthy." – Allison Gordon
"Hiring James was the best decision we made. His natural energy put us at ease, and the end result was the most incredible photos that truly captured 'us'." – Hollie Inger
Fair & Honest Pricing
Weddings are expensive, but photography shouldn’t feel like a mystery. I believe in being straight about pricing. My packages are built to give you the best value – full coverage, fast turnaround, and award-winning albums. No hidden extras. No upselling. Just real photography at a fair price.
Scroll down to see more about my Award-Winning Albums and read what other couples say. You’ll see why I’m trusted across Munster and beyond.
Tips for Planning Your Waterford Wedding
After years of photographing weddings across Munster, here are a few quick tips for couples getting married in Waterford:
- Weather: The coast can be breezy – always have a backup indoor spot for portraits.
- Transport: Waterford City is compact, but rural venues like Waterford Castle require a little extra planning.
- Golden Hour: Sunset over the Copper Coast gives some of the most dramatic light in Ireland.
- Suppliers: Local bands, florists, and planners know the quirks of the area – worth booking early.
Related Hubs in Munster
If you’re still exploring, here are more guides that may help:
- Cork Wedding Photographer
- Kerry Wedding Photographer
- Limerick Wedding Photographer
- Tipperary Wedding Photographer
Book Your Waterford Wedding Photographer
Your wedding day deserves to be remembered in a way that feels true to you. If you’re getting married in Waterford, I’d love to capture your story. From castles to coastlines, big weddings to elopements, I’ll make sure you have images you’ll love for life.
Waterford Wedding Photography – FAQ
How much does a wedding photographer in Waterford cost?
My packages start from fair, transparent pricing with no hidden extras. You can see full details on my Packages Page. Every package includes storytelling coverage and quick turnaround times.
Do you travel outside Waterford?
Absolutely. While I’m based in Munster, I regularly photograph weddings across Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Clare, Tipperary and beyond. Travel in Ireland is always included in my packages.
Can we meet you before booking?
Yes. I always encourage a chat before you commit. We can meet in person or over Zoom – whichever works best. It’s important you feel comfortable with me on the day. Use my Contact Form to set up a time.
How long until we get our wedding photos?
You’ll receive a sneak peek within a week of your wedding, and your full gallery within 6–8 weeks. I keep my turnaround fast so you can relive your day while it’s still fresh.
Do you offer albums?
Yes – I design award-winning albums that showcase your story beautifully. Scroll down on the Packages Page to see examples and details.
What if it rains on the day?
We’re in Ireland – rain is part of the story! I’ll adapt, use creative lighting, and find covered spots. Some of my favourite photos have been taken in drizzle and stormy light.
How do we book you?
It’s simple – fill out my Contact Form, let me know your date and venue, and I’ll get back to confirm availability. A booking fee secures your date, and the rest is easy.
Travel is always included for weddings anywhere in Munster. For celebrations outside of Munster, a small additional fee may apply to cover accommodation where required. This ensures I can be fully present and rested, ready to capture your day at its best.
Faithlegg House Hotel – A Timeless Waterford Wedding Venue
Faithlegg House Hotel is one of Waterford’s most iconic wedding venues, and for good reason. Set in a stunning Georgian manor surrounded by rolling countryside and views of the River Suir, it strikes the perfect balance between elegance and warmth. The moment you drive up the tree-lined avenue, you feel like you’re stepping into something truly special.
For larger celebrations, Faithlegg offers grand ballrooms filled with natural light, yet it also works beautifully for more intimate weddings thanks to its cosy corners and character-filled rooms. As a photographer, I love the variety this venue gives: sweeping staircases for classic portraits, landscaped gardens for candid couple moments, and interiors that work in every season, rain or shine.
Faithlegg’s staff are known for their attention to detail and genuine Irish hospitality. Couples who marry here always talk about how relaxed they felt on the day, knowing everything was handled. For photography, it means I can focus on capturing the emotion, knowing the venue runs like clockwork.
Waterford Castle – An Island Wedding Like No Other
If you want a venue that feels like a fairytale, Waterford Castle is unbeatable. Accessible only by private ferry, it gives your wedding day a sense of privacy and exclusivity that few places in Ireland can match. Set on its own island in the River Suir, the 16th-century castle is rich with history and romance.
From a photography perspective, this venue is a dream. The approach by ferry offers unique arrival photos, the castle’s stone façade is a dramatic backdrop, and the interiors are full of old-world charm. Add in sweeping lawns, hidden woodland walks, and evening shots by the castle gates — it’s a location that delivers variety in every season.
Couples who choose Waterford Castle often talk about how magical the atmosphere feels. Guests love the experience of being whisked away to a private island. For me, it’s about capturing that sense of wonder, intimacy, and elegance that naturally comes with this incredible venue.
Mount Congreve Gardens – Romantic Outdoor Weddings in Bloom
Mount Congreve Gardens is one of Waterford’s hidden gems. Known internationally for its incredible plant collections, this 70-acre garden estate makes a breathtaking setting for outdoor ceremonies and photography. In spring and summer, the colours explode, giving you a vibrant, living backdrop that feels almost like a movie set.
What makes Mount Congreve special for photography is its variety. Walled gardens, tree-lined avenues, reflective ponds, and sweeping views across the River Suir — every corner offers a different atmosphere. Whether you want timeless romantic portraits or playful candid shots, this venue delivers.
Couples who choose Mount Congreve often want something a little different: a celebration surrounded by nature, with a relaxed and joyful feel. It’s also an excellent choice for elopements, where intimacy meets stunning natural beauty.
Mount Congreve Gardens – Romantic Outdoor Weddings in Bloom
Mount Congreve Gardens is one of Waterford’s hidden gems. Known internationally for its incredible plant collections, this 70-acre garden estate makes a breathtaking setting for outdoor ceremonies and photography. In spring and summer, the colours explode, giving you a vibrant, living backdrop that feels almost like a movie set.
What makes Mount Congreve special for photography is its variety. Walled gardens, tree-lined avenues, reflective ponds, and sweeping views across the River Suir — every corner offers a different atmosphere. Whether you want timeless romantic portraits or playful candid shots, this venue delivers.
Couples who choose Mount Congreve often want something a little different: a celebration surrounded by nature, with a relaxed and joyful feel. It’s also an excellent choice for elopements, where intimacy meets stunning natural beauty.
The Haven Hotel – Coastal Charm in Dunmore East
For couples who love the sea, The Haven Hotel in Dunmore East is a dream location. Perched overlooking the harbour, this family-run hotel has a relaxed coastal vibe that makes every wedding feel warm and personal. It’s the kind of venue where guests feel instantly at home, and where the view never disappoints.
As a photographer, I love working here because the light changes constantly with the sea. Golden-hour portraits on the cliffs, candid moments in the gardens, and fun group shots by the harbour — The Haven is as versatile as it is beautiful. The village of Dunmore East itself also makes for great pre-wedding or day-after sessions, with colourful houses and sandy coves.
The Haven’s atmosphere is about relaxed celebration. Couples often say it felt like one big house party, but with the backdrop of the ocean. That mix of intimacy, laughter, and stunning scenery makes for unforgettable photos.